Posting in XPS because they do not have (or allow?) a G3 category under Laptops heading.
I just bought a G3-I3590 15.6", 512 SSD, 16GB
There is a Second HD bay / slot inside, I'd like to put a 1TB drive in it for extra storage only. This is where I'd store "Pictures", "Videos", etc.
Question: When I install a drive into that bay, will my boot up, system files & everything else still default to the original 512 SSD that's in it now? That is my hope, I really want the extra storage space, but don't want to rock the boat & risk messing things up ... I'm not technically astute. Thank you.
The G3 is an Inspiron model. I agree that there should be a separate category but everything winds up in this Laptops category that includes all laptop models. I wrongly thought it was an Alienware model. Here's the official word:
See the manual for the diff drives in the Service Manual. I don't see the option for additional HDD but 1 TB hard drive is plenty for storage plus there is Cloud storage available. It come with- 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive (Boot) + 1TB 5400 rpm 2.5" SATA Hard Drive (Storage)
Thank you for the excellent help. Knowing that the second (added) drive will be recognized as "storage" is what I had hoped for. I have not unpacked the new G3 yet, I might even go buy the secondary drive and install it before first boot. Thanks again and have an excellent day!
Hey mate, I like your post and I need some assistance please.
I have also ordered a G3 which I found in a good offer (didn't arrive yet), but I was already considering doing the same upgrade you did for the same reasons (movies/music/photos storage).
Right now on the specs it seems to have an SSD 512Go M.2 PCIe NVMe and my questions here are what kind of drive did you put in the second slot? Does it support an SDD or HD only ? Which type, as they appear to be many ? I am also not a specialist.
On the G3. Unlike the Primary Drive, the second Internal Drive bay is not an Me M.2 type ... which is a good thing, because it makes install easier. The additional drive bay will accommodate the square, box-type SSD.
I used a Samsung 860 QVO Internal SATA Solid State Drive. My original plan was to buy a 1TB, but decided to bite the bullet and spend for a 2TB version. Seemed expensive at the time but WELL worth it, when I look back. For one thing, I don't want to take out all those screws, pull it apart and dig into the innards again ... won't have to now.
My worry, was which drive will it boot to? How will it know, etc. That was ridiculous, as it turns out. The primary drive will remain the primary drive, period.
Another worry for me, was the foolish thought that I had to get the fastest spec for my secondary drive. NOT SO, as this is used for storage of media, and the fact that the G3 is already ridiculously fast. It's why I bought the QVO series drive from Samsung, not the EVO series (which cost a LOT more).
Thanking myself for both of these decisions: Buying a larger capacity to begin with and realizing this secondary drive did not have to be as blazing fast as my primary.
Crucial makes an fantastic Internal SSD, this is the one I'd buy if I were doing it today: Crucial BX500 2.5" 2TB SATA III 3D NAND Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) CT2000BX500SSD1
U2CAMEB4ME
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Posted November 11th, 2019 12:00
Welcome to the Dell Community @ben1b
After adding the 1TB drive everything will still default to the 512GB SSD.
You would need to set the NEW 1TB drive to be the default storage device.
As you can see you can choose what you want to have stored on it.
Create the folders on the new drive and start saving the files there.
Best regards,
U2